POS Hardware Testing Overview

POS Hardware Testing Overview

AccuArk includes a complete set of built-in hardware diagnostic tools that let you verify every piece of POS equipment is working correctly — without leaving the application.

Supported Devices

AccuArk can test and diagnose five categories of POS hardware:

How to Access Hardware Testing

Hardware testing is available from Machine Configuration:

1. Open Program → Machine Configuration
2. The hardware settings panel is located on the Payments & Accounts tab, in the Hardware Configuration section
3. Each device type has its own Test button
4. There is also a Test All Hardware button to run every test at once

What the Tests Check

Each device test runs up to three levels of checks:

Level 1: Connectivity

The most basic check — can AccuArk communicate with the device?

• Network devices — attempts a TCP connection to the configured IP address and port
• Serial devices — verifies the COM port exists and can be opened
• USB devices — checks the device is present in the operating system

Level 2: Status Query (Printers Only)

For thermal receipt printers connected via network or serial, AccuArk sends ESC/POS status commands to query the printer's internal state:

• Is the printer online or offline?
• Is the paper cover open?
• Is paper running low or completely out?
• Are there any mechanical errors (auto-cutter jammed, etc.)?

Level 3: Functional Test

The final level actually exercises the device:

• Printer — prints a test page with alignment, font, and barcode samples
• Cash Drawer — sends the kick command to physically open the drawer
• Customer Display — shows a test message for 3 seconds
• Barcode Scanner — opens an interactive scan window where you scan a barcode

Understanding Test Results

After each test, AccuArk displays a detailed results dialog showing:

• Device name and type at the top
• Each test step with a green PASS or red FAIL status
• Detailed messages explaining what was checked and any errors found
• Timing information showing how long each step took in milliseconds

You can click Copy to Clipboard to save the full test results as text — useful for sharing with support when troubleshooting.

Test All Hardware

The Test All Hardware button runs connectivity and functional tests on all five device categories in sequence. After completion:

• A summary shows how many devices passed and how many failed
• The result is saved to the database with a timestamp
• The Last Test Result label on the hardware panel shows the most recent result

This is useful for daily hardware verification before opening the store.

When to Run Hardware Tests

• During initial setup — verify all equipment after configuring a new machine
• After hardware changes — confirm connections after moving, replacing, or reconnecting devices
• When something stops working — the tests pinpoint exactly which step is failing
• As a daily check — use Test All Hardware each morning before the first shift
• Before contacting support — test results provide the exact diagnostic information support needs